To the girl considering going through recruitment,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The air is getting colder, snow is starting to fall on the ground, Christmas lights twinkle everywhere you look, and I can finally listen to Christmas music without my friends having a legitimate reason to take away my DJ-ing privileges. But, there’s another reason why this time of year is so magical- it’s almost time for sorority recruitment for the spring semester!
If your school is one that does its Panhellenic recruitment during the second semester of the year, then the long wait is almost over. If you’re like me and you’ve had your heart set on joining a sorority for as long as you can remember, you’re probably unbelievably excited that the time is finally almost here.
But, I know that not everyone is as excited as I was and there are some girls out there who are still a little bit wary of the idea or aren’t sure where they’ll fit in. So let me just say this first- if you’re considering going through recruitment, even if you think there’s a chance you’ll hate it but still the possibility intrigues you and you’re curious, DO IT! Joining my sorority was by far the best decision I have ever made and I am so grateful every day. It’s crazy to think that it was only less than a year ago that I joined because I absolutely can’t imagine my life without it and the people I’ve met.
If you’re still unsure, here’s a few pieces of advice that I’ve picked up over the past year that might help you make up your mind.
The “sorority girl” stereotype is not real.
Oh my gosh this one makes me so angry. Whenever I go home for breaks and see my friends from other schools who are not in sororities, they talk about the Greek life at their colleges and how annoying they think it is but are always quick to follow it up with, “Oh, but they’re not like you, Katie. You’re not, like, a normal sorority girl”. NEWSFLASH: none of us are “normal sorority girls”.
You will find your home somewhere, and it won’t necessarily be where the rest of your friends end up.
If you’re going through recruitment with a group of friends, it can be easy to let their opinions sway you one way or another. If you listen to anyone else’s opinions besides your own, it can be so easy to end up somewhere that might not be your perfect fit. And it doesn’t mean that you can’t ever be friends with anyone but your own sisters; I have good friends in other chapters, as do most of my sisters. The sorority that you will end up joining has to feel right to you, so go with your gut and don’t let what other people tell you influence your decisions.
It will have its ups and downs, but no matter what, you will not regret it.
That goes for the recruitment process as well as being a sister of a sorority itself. Whether you end up in the chapter of your dreams or decide Greek life just isn’t for you, if any part of you is considering signing up for recruitment you absolutely should do it. You will meet amazing people and make amazing memories. For me, going Greek was the best thing I have ever done and I have never once regretted it.
